Former child psychiatrist accused of sexually assaulting patients said one ‘fantasised the whole thing’

A FORMER child psychiatrist accused of molesting and sexually assaulting two patients claims one girl “fantasised the whole thing” while the other began a relationship with him on her 18th birthday.

Ian Stuart McAlpine is on trial in the WA District Court charged with 17 offences, including sexual penetration without consent and indecent assault, which were allegedly committed between 1988 and 1990.

Prosecutor Alan Dungey told the jury on Monday that McAlpine initially hugged and kissed one of the complainants and the molestation escalated over time until he penetrated the girl on her 18th birthday.

After that incident, she could not remember specific occasions when they had sex, Mr Dungey said.

She eventually complained to the Medical Practice Board in 1991 and McAlpine admitted having a sexual relationship with her, prompting him to be struck from the roll of medical practitioners.

Police were also informed but no charges were laid at the time, Mr Dungey said.

In a recorded police interview, the complainant said she felt “dirty and ashamed”, but also believed she needed McAlpine’s love because he had brainwashed her.

Mr Dungey told the jury any consent she gave could not be regarded as being given freely or voluntarily.

The second complainant kept a diary and started to think she and McAlpine were in love, Mr Dungey said.

But defence counsel Linda Black said the second complainant had “fantasised the whole thing”.

Ms Black said McAlpine had admitted his actions in relation to the first complainant in 1991 and accepted his punishment for it.

She said McAlpine’s sexual relationship with the first complainant only started on her 18th birthday, and while it was improper it was not criminal.

The jury has been told McAlpine was previously convicted of indecently assaulting another patient.